Movie Party Hosting Basics

Training consists of three parts:

1. Reviewing the resources in this Handbook.

2. Going through a quick (about 15 minutes) orientation/onboarding online.

3. One paid session shadowing another host during a live event. (You'll start setting this up during your orientation or by emailing alamo@geekswhodrink.com.)

Trainees are paid at the same rate as the host they're shadowing ($75 or $100, see the spreadsheet when you're scheduling your event). Additionally, trainees are entitled to:

- 1 ticket for themself to the event they're co-hosting

- 1 menu item free during the event. Any additional menu items are discounted at 50% off

- Unlimited free soda and popcorn during the event

- Consumption of alcohol is not allowed, even if purchased by the trainee

At the end of your training shift, fill out a feedback form to trigger your pay. Bookmark this!

This is what you'll fill out at the end of each shift after training.

Movie party hosts should bring the expertise and excitement of someone who LOVES what they're hosting. Or, at least, give the impression that they do. As the Show Flows will tell you, give the movie another look if you can. Show Flows usually address where you can find the film streaming. Questions? Give a shout to alamo@geekswhodrink.com and we're happy to help! 

lf you are hosting at a different Alamo location than the one where you're employed, you are required to reach out at least 48 hours in advance to the Event Manager at that location for a button to clock in. 

Special note: Alamo employees at 28 Liberty, Brooklyn, and Staten Island can host movie parties at their home theater but not the other New York locations. Employees at those locations can host at other locations, following the procedure above and the procedures for signing up for an event found in this Handbook. 

The Show Flow will give you some suggestions for costumes and attire. Don't break the bank! We don't reimburse for costumes and you don't have to go all Edna Mode to host a successful movie party.

Feel free to change into costume once you get to the venue. (Note: bathroom sizes vary by location.)

On stage, wear an outfit themed to the event. If you arrive in a different outfit before the show, make sure it is appropriate for all audiences. If Alamo Drafthouse is providing a costume, you will be notified. (Please ask a manager at that location you'll be hosting at if you need to know what’s in the costume closets.) Hosts are expected to be in costume or applicable shirt or outfit for the film, or dressed nicely to present the film.

If you are running late, contact the Events team or the manager at that location. Contact information ca be found on the Event Manager Contact Info tab of the spreadsheet where you sign up for events.

First, check in with reception to get your tickets and connect with the manager on duty (MOD).

Alamo employees only: You are required to clock in and out. If you are hosting at a location other than your home theater, you are required to reach out to the Event Manager at least 48 hours in advance to arrange for a button for your clock-in.

Each host (trainees are allotted one ticket for themself) gets two tickets per show - one for themself and one for a guest. If you or your guest needs special accommodations, please check with Ren Weaver (ren.weaver@drafthouse.com)prior to arrival so that they can arrange seating with the venue.

Once you're in touch with the MOD, start setting up. 

Communicate with the manager on duty/event manager about contest prizes before the show. 2 movie passes for the winner of the contest, and 1 movie pass for the other participants. Not all shows have a contest. (Check the Show Flow for more information.)

The MOD/event manager should also help you get a table to set up the props that movie party attendees are given. The Show Flow will list all the props that are supposed to be given to each attendee. In most cases, please set up a table with tablecloth near the entrance to the movie party's screening room to give out the props.

Unless the MOD says the show is sold out, please DO NOT give out the props by putting a set at each individual seat.

Two reasons for that:
1. We'd like you to greet guests at the table as they're entering.
2. Leftover props get picked up by moviegoers, creating problems with inventory. 

Introduce the film utilizing the text and Show Flow provided by Alamo Drafthouse. No changes to the Show Flow should be made unless approved by the Events team, specifically Bridget and Ren. The Show Flow script and toast usually cue the projectionist to start the movie. Get those moviegoers excited and loud so they can hear y'all in projection!  

Keep your language appropriate for the audience. Refrain from using profanity, unless appropriate and approved by the manager.

Hosts must always use the spotlight and talk on the microphone unless granted permission otherwise from an appropriate manager.

Observe that the film starts smoothly - if not please alert a manager right away.

During the event, join the audience and participate in the show. (Note: If the event is private, consult with the event head before you join the audience.) Remember, absolutely no alcohol consumption is permitted during your shift. 

At the end of the event, thank audience members for coming as they're leaving the theater and ask them what they thought of the show. Feel free to collect any feedback for your feedback form, which you absolutely HAVE TO fill out. No, really. 

On that note, encourage moviegoers to tip generously. These little things go a long, long way. 

Finally, coordinate with the MOD for any clean-up (e.g. putting away table, unused supplies, or cleaning up confetti, etc.) before you take off. 

Movie party hosts are allowed the following comps while hosting a movie party or bar event:

Food:
- 1 free menu item
- Unlimited soft drinks

- Unlimited popcorn
- Additional menu items at 50% off

- NO alcohol before or during the shift, even if purchasing it yourself.

The above comps are not allowed to be used for guests.

Trainees receive the same tab during their training shift.

Your free meal and drinks does not include gratuity for the server or bartender. Please take care of your servers. We cannot require you to tip but we strongly encourage it, especially if you want to establish a good rapport with the theaters where you're working.

Finally, if you are a Geeks Who Drink employee, you'll need to fill out this Feedback Form to receive payment for your work. Please fill it out within 24 hours of the scheduled start time of the show. 

If you are an Alamo Drafthouse employee, you'll need to clock in and out and fill out their feedback form. 

Requirements on the feedback form:

- Always fill out the final field (Anything of note?/Any feedback?). If your movie party was unremarkable and everything went well, please say that. If anything went wrong, please let us know. Please DO NOT leave it blank or write "N/A."
- If you had a trainee, please let us know a bit about how your trainee did.
- For events with more than one host (or with a host and a trainee), everyone fills out their own feedback form.
- If you have negative feedback on a specific Alamo employee or manager, do not include this on the feedback form. Please email that feedback to Ren Weaver at ren.weaver@drafthouse.com or reach out directly to Ren via DM on Slack.

If you're unsure which feedback form to fill out, please email alamo@geekswhodrink.com and we'll help you out. 

Set up table with tablecloth outside the theater for props, if applicable. (Check the Show Flow for more information.)

Keep table neat and organized (no trash on the table, props out of their packages.)

Greet guests and welcome them to the show while passing out the props. Secure the props in a safe place while on stage introducing the show. After the film starts, put table, tablecloth, and props away in their appropriate places and ensure trash from the props is thrown away.